Illegal E-bikes and E-scooters to be Seized

Illegal e-bikes and e-scooters to be seized and destroyed as part of new operation

The fight against the illegal and nuisance use of e-bikes and e-scooters has stepped up a gear with the launch of a new operation this week in Surrey.

Officers from Surrey Police’s Roads Policing Unit, alongside borough-based Safer Neighbourhood Teams, will be out across the county stopping reckless, antisocial and illegal riders as part of our crackdown, Operation Scramble.

E-bikes and e-scooters pose a significant threat to innocent motorists and pedestrians when used illegally or irresponsibly. Through the rollout of new patrols, we will use all the powers and tactics available to our highly trained officers to pursue offenders.

From next month, this includes the power to destroy all illegal e-bikes and e-scooters seized by officers.

Chief Superintendent Graham Barnett, head of Surrey Police and Sussex Police’s operations and protective security command, said: “The illegal use of e-bikes and e-scooters is a growing problem in Surrey, and we will tirelessly pursue riders who are causing fear and nuisance in our county.

“Many of the reports of illegal e-bikes relate to criminal activity. However, the bottom line is e-scooters are illegal to use in public– unless through an authorised rental scheme of which there are none in Surrey – and e-bikes must meet strict legal requirements.

“Where we have been able to identify riders, just over a third (36 per cent) were teenagers or children, putting themselves and others in serious danger. This is a real concern for us, and while we will look to enforce legislation where necessary, it all starts with education and engagement.”

The force has seized 136 e-bikes and e-scooters so far in 2026, up from 127 in total in 2025. Since October 2025, there have been two collisions leading to serious injury in the county involving e-scooters, and three road traffic accidents involving e-bikes.

Chief Superintendent Barnett added: “From next month our policy is clear: all illegal e-bikes and e-scooters we seize will be sent for destruction.

“I hope this provides direct reassurance to Surrey residents that we are listening to your concerns around illegal and reckless riding and taking decisive action.”

Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “During our Policing Your Community roadshow over the summer, one of the issues that residents raised time and time again was the scourge of illegal e-scooters and e-bikes in our communities.

“They told us loud and clear they have had enough and we have listened to those concerns. The result is this operation which aims to crackdown on illegal riding and take these often-dangerous machines off our streets for good.

“We know that their use can often be linked to wider criminal activity and the message is clear – we want to make Surrey an illegal e-bike and e-scooter free county.”

What the law says about electrically assisted pedal cycles and electric scooters:

An electric bike:

• • • must have pedals that you can use to propel it
    • must have an electric motor that can run continuously at a maximum power of no more than 250 watts
    • must have no electrical assistance once you reach 15.5 miles per hour (mph)

If an e-bike fails to meet any of these requirements it needs to be taxed and insured as either a motorcycle or a moped.

It’s not currently possible to get insurance for privately owned e-scooters. This means it’s illegal to use them on the road or in public spaces, such as parks, street pavements, and shopping centres.

Find out more here: What you need to know: electric bikes | Surrey Police